Berkshire Freemasons give tablets to local hospices and care homes

Freemasons in Berkshire have given 25 tablets to local care homes and hospices in the county. These are to help families stay in touch with their loved ones during this coronavirus crisis

During the current crisis, hospitals and care homes have been forced to limit access to try and control and prevent the virus spreading. This is both worrying for patients, residents and, more importantly their families. Giving tablets that allows families to speak with their loved ones at this stressful time has benefits for all.

The donations were coordinated through a new Covid-19 Response Group, which was formed by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) as an emergency structure in response to Covid-19. Its purpose is to work together to deliver life-changing initiatives – on a national scale – to those in need. Using the full capability of its network, the Freemasons have been able to draw together suppliers to source the tablets quickly and efficiently. Over 1,000 tablets have been given away throughout England and Wales under this initiative so far.

In Berkshire, tablets were given to Thames Hospice in Windsor, Lord Harris Court in Wokingham and a further seven homes throughout the province. All were very gratefully received and will be put to good use keeping families in touch.

Mrs Roxana Brian the admin manager of the Stowford House Care Home in Abingdon. said: 'On behalf of the residents of Stowford House Care Home, I would like to send a big thank you for the two Samsung tablets we received. We appreciate your generosity at this difficult time, we will be able to use one tablet on each floor so that families can see their loved ones on a regular basis.'

Anthony Howlett-Bolton, the Leader of Freemasons in Berkshire, said: 'By giving these tablets to vulnerable patients in hospices and care homes I hope it can help bring some comfort to them and their families at this most difficult of times. Working in our local communities and charitable giving are some of our fundamental values.'